Lance Armstrong, Oprah and recent TV apologies and confessions

CaptionLance Armstrong on OWN

George Burns / AFP Getty Images

Lance Armstrong's two-night Oprah Winfrey interview media extravaganza may be grabbing attention this week, but despite the heightened media awareness, this is far from the first time a celebrity has gone on TV to make a confession or come clean. Here's a quick look back over how similar events have played out.

Lance Armstrong's two-night Oprah Winfrey interview media extravaganza may be grabbing attention this week, but despite the heightened media awareness, this is far from the first time a celebrity has gone on TV to make a confession or come clean. Here's a quick look back over how similar events have played out. (George Burns / AFP Getty Images)

Hugh Grant was arrested in 1995 for receiving oral sex from a prostitute near Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, just a few weeks before the premiere of his film "Nine Weeks." This was convenient because it allowed the charming actor to hit the promotional circuit and apology circuit in one fell swoop. Jay Leno famously asked, "What the hell were you thinking?" "I did a bad thing, and there you have it," Grant told Leno, and after some nervous conversation and appropriate contrition, Grant promoted the film.

Hugh Grant was arrested in 1995 for receiving oral sex from a prostitute near Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, just a few weeks before the premiere of his film "Nine Weeks." This was convenient because it allowed the charming actor to hit the promotional circuit and apology circuit in one fell swoop. Jay Leno famously asked, "What the hell were you thinking?" "I did a bad thing, and there you have it," Grant told Leno, and after some nervous conversation and appropriate contrition, Grant promoted the film. (Margaret Norton / NBC)